When Legendary Prostrated Before Mahanati

Savitri is hailed as Mahanati not only by the people but also by the celebrities. Savirti had many memorable films in her career and one such film was Raktha Sambandham. This was done as Pasamalar in Tamil featuring Sivaji Ganesan and Savitri. Bheem Singh directed the Tamil version.

Victory Madhusudhana Rao who directed the Telugu version had a specialty. He used to take utmost care while directing a remake. He was a critic by heart and was passionate about editing and cinematography. So he used to turn all his films as Picasso paintings.

If actors failed to come with the right kind of expressions, he used to turn furious and hurl abuses and at times even go to the extent of manhandling them. But at times he used to get mesmerized by the expressions of the actors so much so that he forgot to say cut.

NTR and Savitri used to come with such stellar expressions. Since Savitri already did the role in Tamil, she was improving her performance. Suryakantam too played the role in the film. She used to come to the shooting with two carriers full of snacks and other eatables. During the shooting gap, she used to play cards and within the shooting gap, her carriers used to get emptied by the cast and crew.

But what surprised all was Suryakantam, a seasoned and experienced actress failing to complete scenes in single takes. While Savitri completed her scenes in single takes, Suryakantam failed to say even small dialogues. At times she even tried to walk out of the project moved by the emotions.

V Madhusudhana Rao convinced her telling that it was just a film and she was acting and not a reality and take it easy. Though Suryakantam was pacified, she was not convinced.

The film was previewed and everyone walked out with a heavy heart. Celebrities were so dumbstruck that they couldn't get words to congratulate NTR and Savitri. The next day Suryakantam went to Savitri's house and presented her a golden zari saree which she brought for herself out of love.

She said, "Amma.. nateemanullo nee mundoo nee venuka entamandi kathanayikalunnaa. neede agrasthanam.. neeto saritoogagala natana pradarsinchagalavaru vastarani nenanukonu. neelo aa kalamatalliki padabhivandanam chesukonivvamma,” and prostrated at Savirti's feet. Savtri who was stunned stopped Suryakantam and hugged and cried inconsolably.